Nashville Metro Police Department says authorities believe an explosion that shook downtown Nashville early on Christmas Day was a deliberate act
NASHVILLE – An explosion shook mostly deserted streets in downtown Nashville early Christmas morning, shattering windows, damaging buildings and injuring three people. Authorities said they believed the blast was intentional. The FBI is conducting an investigation.
Police spokesman Don Aaron said the 6:30 a.m. blast was considered “an intentional act.” Police said earlier that they believe a vehicle was involved in the blast. Aaron said three people were taken to hospitals in the area for treatment, although none were in critical condition.
The FBI will take over the investigation, said spokesman Joel Siskovic. Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also present at the scene. The FBI is the main law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes, such as explosives violations and acts of terrorism. Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also on the scene.
Black smoke and flames were seen early Friday walking through the area, which is full of bars, restaurants and other retail outlets and is known as the heart of Nashville’s tourist center.
The buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a strong boom was heard.
Buck McCoy, who lives nearby, posted videos on Facebook showing water pouring on the ceiling of his house. Alarms sound in the background and the cries of people in great danger ring in the background. A fire is visible on the street outside. McCoy said the windows of his house were completely blown out.
“All my windows, each of them was blown into the next room. If I had stayed there, it would have been horrible, “he said.
“It simply came to our notice then. It was so big, “he told The Associated Press.
“About four cars were turned on. I don’t know if it was so hot that they caught fire and the trees were thrown out, “he said.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said on Twitter that the state would provide the necessary resources “to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join @MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and thank all of our first who acted so quickly this morning. “
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Associated Press writers Eric Tucker in Washington and Thalia Beaty in New York contributed.